Public Media from Michigan State University

Icy Weather Prompts Shutdown Of Detroit Metropolitan Airport

WDET

Icy weather prompted officials to shut down Detroit's main airport as slippery conditions from freezing rain left some Michigan roadways treacherous and shut down hundreds of schools.

The Federal Aviation Administration reports Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus was closed about 8 p.m. Tuesday and is expected to reopen for flights Wednesday morning.

The shutdown stranded travelers, with dozens of flights Tuesday night and more Wednesday canceled or delayed.

The airport says in a statement that maintenance crews had been treating taxiways and runways at the airport leading up to the shutdown, but "precipitation has diluted the de-icing fluid, causing it to be ineffective." The airport says crews are working to get the airport back open.

Icy roadways led to crashes. Wednesday's school closings included Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College.

 

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